
The Francesinha: Porto's Glorious, Over-the-Top Sandwich
Porto's legendary francesinha is more than just a sandwich—it's a towering monument to Portuguese culinary excess, born from immigrant ingenuity and crowned with molten cheese.


Chef at Euskalduna Studio, 1 Michelin Star
Vasco Coelho Santos stands as one of Portugal's most innovative culinary talents, having earned recognition through his contemporary approach to Portuguese gastronomy. His culinary journey began in Lisbon, where he studied at Atelier de Cozinha Michel and worked at prestigious establishments including Restaurante Olivier and Tavares Rico, laying the foundation for his distinctive culinary philosophy.
His international experience proved transformative, working alongside legendary chefs including Ferran Adrià at El Bulli, Andoni Aduriz at Mugaritz, and Juan Mari Arzak at Arzak. These formative experiences in Spain's most celebrated kitchens, combined with stints at London's Viajante under Nuno Mendes, shaped his understanding of avant-garde techniques and creative expression in cuisine.
In 2016, Santos opened Euskalduna Studio in Porto's heart, creating a contemporary signature restaurant focused on culinary experimentation and the search for his unique gastronomic identity. The restaurant earned its first Michelin Star in 2022, cementing his position among Portugal's elite chefs. His approach combines traditional Portuguese flavors with modern techniques, creating dishes that tell stories while exploring innovative flavor combinations.
Beyond Euskalduna Studio, Santos has expanded his culinary empire with Semea, a family-oriented sharing restaurant, and later Ogi, showcasing his versatility across different dining concepts. Most recently, he launched Seixo by Vasco Coelho Santos at Quinta do Seixo in the Douro Valley, partnering with Sogrape to create an award-winning restaurant that celebrates regional flavors in an exceptional vineyard setting.

In Diferente

A Cozinha

Vila Foz Restaurant

Seiva

Largo do Paço

Alma

Le Monument

G Pousada

Pedro Lemos

The Yeatman

Elemento

Palatial Restaurant & Suites

Bugalho

DOP

Éon

Porto's legendary francesinha is more than just a sandwich—it's a towering monument to Portuguese culinary excess, born from immigrant ingenuity and crowned with molten cheese.

In the remote hills of Trás-os-Montes, the ancient town of Vinhais has perfected the art of fumeiro, creating some of Portugal's most celebrated smoked meats with protected geographical indication status.

From mid-September to mid-October, the Douro Valley transforms into Portugal's most vibrant culinary theater, where centuries-old vindima traditions blend seamlessly with world-class gastronomy.

A golden, rustic bread born from centuries of tradition, broa de milho represents the soul of northern Portugal's culinary heritage, where corn and ancient grains unite in perfect harmony.